Guatemala to introduce E10 ethanol-blended gasoline on August 22

Guatemala will begin selling E10 regular gasoline, a blend consisting of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol, starting Saturday, August 22. The blending process will take place at national ports using automated in-line mixing systems to ensure precise proportions before the fuel is transported via tanker trucks to service stations.

The implementation follows ASTM International technical standards, specifically D7794, which aligns with World Trade Organization principles for fuel standardization. Ethanol serves as a renewable oxygenate that helps increase the fuel's octane rating.

Regarding vehicle compatibility, the Ministry of Energy and Mines noted that approximately 70% of the country's vehicle fleet is imported from the United States, where E10 is already the predominant blend. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, E10 is approved for use in conventional gasoline vehicles, including models dating back to the 1990s.